Celtics Notebook: Allen makes case for House

Fresh off a trip to the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, Ray Allen was ready to start another campaign yesterday. "We need to get Eddie House in the 3-point contest - that's what we need to do," Allen declared after House hit seven 3-pointers in yesterday's 124-100 victory over the Mavericks at TD Banknorth Garden.

By Scott Souza/Daily News staff

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Scott Souza/Daily News staff

Posted Jan. 26, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 26, 2009 at 11:49 AM

By Scott Souza/Daily News staff

Posted Jan. 26, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 26, 2009 at 11:49 AM

BOSTON

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Fresh off a trip to the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, Ray Allen was ready to start another campaign yesterday.

And it had nothing to do with his own candidacy to be named an All-Star reserve this week.

"We need to get Eddie House in the 3-point contest - that's what we need to do," Allen declared after House hit seven 3-pointers in yesterday's 124-100 victory over the Mavericks at TD Banknorth Garden. "That's something that needs to happen. He's never been in it. I think he's been one of the best shooters in the league over the last couple of years, so it's important that the league - somebody - put Eddie House in the 3-point contest because I think he can win it."

Despite his second game of seven treys in the last three games, House's candidacy could be a darkhorse one considering he entered the day 41st in the league in 3-pointers made per game at 1.6, with Paul Pierce right ahead of him in 40th place.

A more logical candidate might be Allen, who was sixth in the league at 2.4 makes per game before yesterday's 4-for-5 effort, but the second-leading 3-point shooter in NBA history would rather defer that honor.

"Before I get in it, I would rather see him in it first," Allen determined. "I would rather see him represent us because he deserves to be in it and he's fun to watch shoot. Watching him shoot is a joy and I think people in Boston appreciate it. He's quick, he's unpredictable, and he makes a lot of tough shots."

Allen, of course, will have his eye on a bigger prize as he hopes for his ninth All-Star Game selection, just as Pierce seems assured of his sixth trip, while Rajon Rondo holds out hope for his first.

"Obviously, I'll play close attention to it," Allen said, "because it's going to determine what my plans are going to be over the next couple of weeks. I've dealt with this for a lot of years. It's always an honor to become an All-Star - to be named as one of the best at this point of the season. It's one of those things where (it allows you to) leave a lasting legacy on the league."

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One Celtics player already making plans for Phoenix on Feb. 15 is Kevin Garnett, who outlasted a nationalist push for Yi Jianlian last week to be named a starter and All-Star for the 12th time. Informed that former Celtic Gary Payton had questioned whether Garnett deserved the nod this year on national television last week, Garnett respectfully disagreed.

"I didn't pick myself to be in the All-Star game, or to be a starter," he said. "That's his opinion. I never get upset about what you guys (the media) want to write, or what you guys have to say about what it is, but in a situation where the fans get to vote you in and you have a certain way that things are done that's out of your control, it's just that. I'm not going to apologize for something that people want to see, or people have done, or people are showing their appreciation for myself. But I'm grateful. Everyone has an opinion and that's his."

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Tony Allen (sprained right ankle) seems no closer to returning to the lineup despite now missing four weeks with what was originally expected to be a one-week injury. ...

The Celtics hit 16-of-27 3-pointers in the game (59.3 percent), including 10 of their first 12. Boston shot 65.2 percent in the first half (30-for-46) and finished at 53.8 percent for the game. ...

They managed a 24-point margin of victory despite taking 24 less free throws than the Magic (36 attempts to 12). ...

Former Red Sox star Nomar Garciaparra had a frontrow seat under the home basket alongside Framingham's favorite son, Lou Merloni. The pair received a mostly enthusiastic response when shown on the Jumbotron to the strains of Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" in the first half.

(Scott Souza is a Daily News Staff writer. He can be reached at 781-789-5318 or ssouza@cnc.com.)